I think cigar PTBs can work well with suits, particularly navy and light grey suits. They are are definitely more "casual" than balmorals traditionally, but the thing about Alden cordovan shoes is that they are noticably well made and good looking shoes (and they have a "classic" shape), so to 98% of observers, they will look good with suits. Sticklers for rules may think they are too casual or clunky, but to most people, they will just very nice looking dress shoes that complement your overall look. I think the same principle applies to longwings as well. Cigar longwings on an antique sole may appear "casual" to some, but I find they complement a navy suit extremely well.

To be clear, I am not a "balmoral only" guy when it comes to suits. For me, I just happen to find this shoe too casual for a suit, particulalry when it has antigue edging. This is not to say I find all ptb's too casual for suits (I don't).

Others may see it differently - I have no problem with that. To your point about 98%, I will take it one step further: 98% of men don't even know the difference between a blucher and balmoral, let alone have an opinion on whether one or the other, or both, should be paired with suits.

To your point about 98%, I will take it one step further: 98% of men don't even know the difference between a blucher and balmoral, let alone have an opinion on whether one or the other, or both, should be paired with suits.

New Aldens at J Crew.
1) One preforated captoe boot in pebble grain leather on commando sole (basically a pebble grain jumper on commando)
2) The other picture shows what looks like a tan suede norweigan split toe boot (all eyelets) on an Indy cork sole. However, the description of the boot is for the "hummus" dark suede boot on a red brick sole that has been posted a few times here.